🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

135i Convertible

Year:

2010

Trim Level:

135i (with iDrive)

Vehicle Type:

Convertible

Generation Code:

E88

Chassis Code:

E88

Engine Code:

N55B30

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact premium convertible / sporty coupe-cabriolet.

Target Audience:

Enthusiast drivers seeking a blend of performance, luxury, and open-air driving experience in a compact package.

Key Competitors:

Audi A3 Convertible, Volkswagen Eos, Mercedes-Benz CLK Convertible (older generation), possibly entry-level Porsche Boxster.

Performance Orientation:

Focus on the potent N55 twin-scroll turbocharged inline-6 engine and rear-wheel-drive dynamics characteristic of BMW.

Convertible Top:

Detailed operation and care of the retractable hardtop or soft-top (depending on specific market configuration, though typically a folding hardtop for E88).

Idrive Integration:

Specific guidance on the iDrive infotainment system, a key feature for controlling various vehicle functions.

Driving Dynamics:

Emphasis on BMW's signature handling and driver-focused cockpit.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

2010 BMW 135i Convertible (with iDrive)

Secondary Coverage Consideration:

May apply to other 2010 1 Series Convertible variants with iDrive, but specific 135i performance and features are detailed.

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for BMW owner's manuals of this era).

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, lubrication, cooling, fuel system, exhaust system.

Transmission:

Automatic transmission operation, selector lever positions, and basic care.

Chassis:

Steering, suspension, wheels and tires, braking system.

Electrical:

Battery, lighting, wipers, horn, power windows, mirrors, fuses.

Body And Interior:

Doors, locks, seats, convertible top operation, climate control, airbags, interior features.

Infotainment And Controls:

iDrive system operation, radio, navigation, climate control interface, vehicle settings.

Safety Systems:

ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), airbags, seat belts, tire pressure monitoring.

Basic Operation:

Starting the engine, driving, parking, convertible top operation, using controls.

Maintenance:

Checking fluid levels, tire pressure checks, wiper blade replacement, bulb replacement (owner accessible).

Troubleshooting:

Indicator lights and warning messages, basic troubleshooting for common issues.

Personalization:

Setting up the iDrive system, customizing vehicle features, seat and mirror adjustments.

Emergency Procedures:

Using hazard lights, emergency kit location, jump starting (with appropriate precautions).

Depth:

Comprehensive owner-level information, focusing on operation, features, and basic owner maintenance. Does NOT include diagnostic procedures or detailed repair instructions typically found in service manuals.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Portable Document Format (PDF)

Searchability:

Text-searchable PDF (allows for quick keyword lookups).

Resolution:

High-resolution scans of original factory manual pages, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams.

Color:

Likely includes color diagrams and illustrations where present in the original.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Family:

BMW N55

Engine Configuration:

Inline 6-cylinder

Aspiration:

Twin-scroll Turbocharged

Displacement:

2979 cc (3.0 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 89.6 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.2:1

Horsepower:

300 hp @ 5800 RPM

Torque:

300 lb-ft @ 1200-5000 RPM

Fuel Delivery:

Direct Injection (High-Pressure Fuel System)

Recommended Fuel:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

6-Speed Manual Transmission

Type:

6-Speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission

Automatic Features:

Adaptive shift logic, optional paddle shifters.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

168.1 inches (4270 mm)

Width:

69.5 inches (1765 mm)

Height:

55.8 inches (1417 mm)

Wheelbase:

104.7 inches (2657 mm)

Front Track:

59.1 inches (1501 mm)

Rear Track:

59.7 inches (1516 mm)

Seating Capacity:

4

Trunk Volume Top Up:

Approx. 11.0 cu ft (310 liters)

Trunk Volume Top Down:

Approx. 7.4 cu ft (210 liters)

Curb Weight Manual:

Approx. 3726 lbs (1690 kg)

Curb Weight Automatic:

Approx. 3792 lbs (1720 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Overall Rating:

Not explicitly rated by NHTSA as a convertible for all categories due to rollover risk inherent to convertibles without specific structural reinforcement beyond standard rollover protection.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System

Dsc:

Standard Dynamic Stability Control (includes DTC - Dynamic Traction Control)

Drivetrain Stability:

Rear-wheel drive dynamics managed by DSC.

Airbags:

Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, head airbags (front and rear passenger).

Rollover Protection:

Integrated rollover protection system (deployable or pop-up bars).

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters.

Tpm:

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

💡 Technology Features

System Name:

iDrive (CCC or CIC professional navigation system depending on options)

Display:

Central LCD display integrated into the dashboard.

Control Interface:

Rotary iDrive controller with surrounding buttons, often voice control and steering wheel controls.

Features:

Radio (AM/FM, SiriusXM Satellite Radio), CD player, MP3 playback, auxiliary audio input, optional navigation, Bluetooth connectivity (phone and audio streaming).

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control, potentially adaptive cruise control (ACC) as an option.

Parking Assist:

Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) front and rear.

Bluetooth:

Standard or optional Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming.

Usb Ipod Interface:

Optional USB/iPod adapter for audio playback and device charging.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically around 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Engine Air Filter:

As indicated by CBS, or approximately every 30,000-50,000 miles.

Cabin Microfilter:

As indicated by CBS, or approximately every 15,000-20,000 miles.

Engine Oil Type:

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-04 (LL-04) synthetic oil, viscosity typically 0W-30 or 5W-30.

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue (G48) Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 LV (Low Viscosity)

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Specific ATF fluid recommended by ZF (e.g., Lifeguard 6 or 8 for this era), requires a qualified technician and special tools for change.

Turbocharger Wastegate Rattle:

Common issue on early N55 engines, often addressed by updated wastegate actuators or service bulletins.

High Pressure Fuel Pump (Hpfp):

Potential failure of the HPFP, leading to sputtering or loss of power, especially under load. Recalls or upgrades may apply.

Water Pump And Thermostat:

Electric water pump and thermostat can be failure points, often requiring replacement.

Oil Pan Gasket Leaks:

Can develop leaks over time due to age and material degradation.

Convertible Top Mechanism:

Potential issues with motors, sensors, or hydraulic lines for the convertible top operation.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Philosophy:

BMW is renowned for its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' philosophy, emphasizing performance, engineering, and driver engagement.

1 Series Introduction:

The 1 Series (E8x) was introduced in 2004 as BMW's entry-level model, offering a compact RWD platform.

E88 Convertible Launch:

The E88 convertible variant of the 1 Series was launched in 2008, replacing the previous 3 Series Compact Convertible.

135I Variant:

The 135i model, featuring the more powerful turbocharged engine, was introduced in 2008 as part of the E82 (Coupe) and E88 (Convertible) lineup.

Manufacturing Location:

Leipzig, Germany (BMW Plant Leipzig)

Production Years E88:

2008-2013

🏆 Awards & Recognition

General Reputation:

The 1 Series, particularly in its 135i variant, was generally well-received for its performance, handling, and compact size, often praised by automotive journalists for delivering a pure BMW driving experience.

Car And Driver 10Best:

While the E88 135i Convertible itself might not have made the list, the 1 Series Coupe (E82) and similar BMW models often featured on '10Best' lists in preceding and succeeding years for their driving dynamics.

Reliability Perception:

Reliability ratings for BMWs of this era can be mixed, with some components requiring specific maintenance and potentially being more costly to repair than mainstream brands. Owner's manual is crucial for proper care.

Emission Standards:

Designed to meet U.S. EPA and CARB emission standards for the 2010 model year.